This December, the College of Music rings in the season with its beloved Holiday Festival, a decades-long Boulder tradition boasting joyful performances by CU Boulder musicians and beautiful holiday decorations inside historic Macky Auditorium.ÌęLimited tickets remain to all four performances in the festival, which runs Dec. 2 to 4.
Inspiring sold-out audiences for more than 30 years, Boulder's favorite holiday concert features the College of Music orchestra, choirs, jazz and chamber ensembles and faculty soloists in an event that sparks the joy and warmth of the season.
Gregory Gentry, director of choral studies and artistic director of the Holiday Festival, says this yearâs concerts feature old favorites and fun new surprises.
âThe audience always asks us to bring back ââââa stirring Nigerian carolâ âand Leroy Andersonâs âSleigh Rideâ and âChristmas Festival Overture,â and weâll definitely oblige,â Gentry says.
For the first time ever, audiences will hear an arrangement of the traditional Hanukkah song âHalâluhu,â Josh Grobanâs anthem âThankful,â orchestral music from âHome Aloneâ and the vocal quartet â,â as heard in the classic film âWhite Christmas.â
And as always, the audience will be invited to make joyful noise with CU Boulderâs choirs and instrumental ensembles by singing along to Handelâs famous Hallelujah Chorus at the eveningâs end.
Gentry says this eclectic and mirthful mix of music is what keeps Boulderites coming back to the festival year after year.
âPeople seem to love listening to the blend of new and familiar, and the decorations and special lighting in Macky are just icing on the cake,â Gentry says.
Ultimately, though, Holiday Festivalâs continuing success is thanks to CUâs dedicated student performers.
âThe musical integrity of these concerts is what really attracts our audiences,â Gentry says, âand this year will be no exception.â
For information about showtimes and to purchase tickets, visit the .